Description:
This article is based on a study aimed at developing a model for streamlining early childhood education (ECE) in Pakistan. The objectives of the study were to analyze the existing status, the existing facilities and practices at ECE level in public and private sector schools. The study was delimited to schools of Lahore Division of Punjab province. The population of the study included public sector schools with the facilities of early childhood education and from private sector schools, City School System and Educator School System with similar facilities. For sampling the schools of both sectors 16 from public and 16 from private sector (08 of both systems) were selected through stratified sampling technique. Sample of administrators was thirty two consisted of the Principals/ Headmasters, Headmistresses, including sixteen from public and sixteen from private sector schools. The sample size for teachers was ninety six including forty eight from private schools and forty-eight from public schools by selecting three teachers from each selected schools. Two different questionnaires were developed; one for administrators having thirty items and second for teacher with twenty-eight items. For statistical analysis of data, arithmetic mean, percentage was used. It was found that the majority of administrators and teachers have opinion that there is significant difference in the existing status of ECE as well in practices and facilities in public and private sector schools. Trained teachers are not available for ECE in both, public and private sector institutions. Government does not support ECE in both, public and private sector schools and no funds are allocated separately for ECE. Specific curriculum exists for early childhood education in both public and private sector schools. In their point of view, streamlining of existing status, practices and facilities at ECE level is very necessary because it will be very useful for children for future success and also in enhancing literacy rate. On the basis of all this: a model for streamlining early childhood education was proposed.